Verstappen tops Hamilton as Mercedes struggle in first Spa practice

Max Verstappen outperformed Lewis Hamilton in the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix, marking a surprising start for Red Bull as Mercedes struggled to find their rhythm. This early lead for Verstappen suggests Red Bull may be closing the gap in the championship battle, which could shake up the standings as the season progresses. The session at Spa-Francorchamps, known for its challenging circuit, highlights the potential for a competitive race ahead. Mercedes' performance so far indicates they'll need to find a solution quickly to stay in contention.